Trip to Kentucky Derby

[robfla]

Thinking of going to the Derby for the first time.

should I sell the tickets or go?

what are the positives and negatives ( if any )?

If I go, I'll arrive Friday Morning and will make the Oaks card.

What/ Where should I go Friday mid-morning early afternoon or Saturday morning Derby Day? ( museums, etc. )

Appreciate any tips on where / what to do - I'll be staying 40 miles away in Elizabethtown.

Thanks everyone in advance.

[Cajungator26]

Wish I was going... you should go! Have a great time!

[robfla]

cg- i have an extra ticket :P

[Cajungator26]

Originally Posted by robfla

cg- i have an extra ticket :P

Hmmm... this is sounding interesting.

[robfla]

have u ever been to ky derby?

[Cajungator26]

Originally Posted by robfla

have u ever been to ky derby?

Nope... I have not. I've been to Churchill Downs twice, but never during the derby.

[slotdirt]

Ok, anybody who has Derby tickets and can afford to go should never consider not going.

[slotdirt]

Speaking of which, my tickets haven't arrived yet, though every time I've ever had tickets from Churchill, they don't come until like three weeks before the event.

[Lava]

you should go. If I had tickets I would go.

[robfla]

Originally Posted by slotdirt

Speaking of which, my tickets haven't arrived yet, though every time I've ever had tickets from Churchill, they don't come until like three weeks before the event.

they mail the tickets during the 1st week in april every year

[Buffymommy]

DEFINATELY GO! TAKE PICTURES AND POST THEM. I am jealous! BUT DEFINATELY GO!


Cute doggie by the way robfla!

[robfla]

Originally Posted by Buffymommy

Cute doggie by the way robfla!

thank you, ditto

[miraja2]

Well if was me I would probably either go (less likely) or sell the tickets and use the profits to bet on the race (very likely).
However, since I am advising you instead of myself, I say sell them and then take the profits and donate it to the Thoroughbred Retirement Foundation.

[ALostTexan]

Actually, nobody has ask the important question: Where are your tickets at Churchill? If you only have infield, general admission tickets, I cannot say that I would advise you to go if you are really interested in the races and wagering on them. If you are only going for the party, then the infield is great.

If you have decent tickets with a good seat and a view of the track, then I would say to definitely go, because it is a great experience.

If you ever have a chance to go to the Belmont, I would recommend it over the Derby from a wagering standpoint. It is full of degenerate gamblers like myself, and it is really cool to go down behind the paddock to see the best 3YO's in the world, something you really cannot do as much at Churchill. Just alot more "interactive" in New York.

The Preakness? Don't waste your time or money until Maryland gets with the picture, allows slots, and redoes the entire place. Very sad that Pimilco is in such bad shape and has the entire world looking at it the 3rd Saturday in May. At least on TV it looks great, but going there is not that cool.

But, getting back to your question, Louisville is a great place, and just make sure that if you go, spend a little time on Bardstown Road, which is always full of action, but unfortunately a long way from Churchill. There is also the Louisville Slugger factory downtown, which is really cool....

ALostTexan

[robfla]

Originally Posted by ALostTexan

Actually, nobody has ask the important question: Where are your tickets at Churchill?

section 123 = approx 1/8 pole

[robfla]

OK!!

i definately going.... now for info on things to to...



thanks everyone

[slotdirt]

I sat in 123 last year, and the seats were great. I think I have like 125 this year, which is ok, but I'm praying it's not in the temporary stands, though I think it probably is. No matter, if the weather is still nice, I'm ok with it.

And on the Preakness, come on, it's not Saratoga, but it's not that bad. I actually think the Preakness is an easier event to enjoy as a pure horseracing fan than are the Belmont or Derby.

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by robfla

section 123 = approx 1/8 pole

Definitely go! We found the best seat in the house with General Admission last year and were able to come home with these pictures:


http://www.finalturngallery.com/Derby-Day

Oaks day:

http://www.finalturngallery.com/2006-Kentucky-Oaks-Day

It's an absolutely glorious time and I've gone the past two years. The prior year (2005) I went in a Suite and that was some experience as well. Derby Day is definitely what you make of it.

No shortage of things to do in Louisville...do a search on-line and see if they are doing the live post position draw again this year at 4th Street Live. That was a REALLY awesome night. Free entertainment follows the draw and lots of restaurants & bars all around you. The whole week is packed full with different Derby events and make sure you catch some racing the Thursday before the Oaks so you can see all that Churchill has to offer.

Have a great time!

[Sightseek]

Originally Posted by slotdirt

I sat in 123 last year, and the seats were great. I think I have like 125 this year, which is ok, but I'm praying it's not in the temporary stands, though I think it probably is. No matter, if the weather is still nice, I'm ok with it.

And on the Preakness, come on, it's not Saratoga, but it's not that bad. I actually think the Preakness is an easier event to enjoy as a pure horseracing fan than are the Belmont or Derby.

Going to my first Preakness this year! I am really excited because we are planning in a lot of the other things to do around the City like the Aquarium and Gettysburg on the way down.

[slotdirt]

If you do hit the Preakness and you can still get a room, do the Renaissance Inner Harbor or the Marriott down there.